Multi-part labels

ABSTRACT

Multi-part label systems, and methods for their assembly. A carrier material with a first label and a second label removably adhered thereto is provided. The first label and second label are dispensed from the carrier material and applied to a surface simultaneously.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/861,236, filed Jan. 3, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/785,969, filed Oct. 17, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No.10,140,892; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.14/315,355, filed Jun. 26, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,812,040; which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/869,052, filed Apr. 24,2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,784,598; which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/965,139, filed Dec. 10, 2010, now abandoned;which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/951,232,filed Nov. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,142,596. The disclosure of eachof these applications is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Labels are commonly used to secure printed indicia to packages toindicate shipping or other information. In the instance of a shippinguse, a separate packing list may be enclosed within a package shipped tothe customer containing a purchased item.

There is significant demand for a labeling method that allows automaticprinting and application of a lower label and an upper label to asurface. For example, there is significant demand for a labeling methodthat allows automatic printing and application of a packing list andshipping label to the surface of a sealed carton. Because the carton issealed prior to packing list generation, it is not efficient to open itto insert a packing list. High volume shipping of such packages requiresrapid attachment of a packing list and a shipping label to the package.It is preferred to conceal the information of the packing list until thefinal recipient receives the shipped package.

Complicated methods have been implemented for application of a lowerlabel and an upper label to a surface. For example, where a packing listand shipping label are to be applied to the surface of a sealed carton,complicated methods have been implemented in which a packing list isapplied and adhered as a pattern adhesive label atop a carton, using afirst roll of labels (packing list labels) and a first label applicator.After the packing list label is applied, an address label is applied andadhered atop the packing list label, to conceal the packing listinformation, using a second roll of labels (address labels) and a secondlabel applicator. Such methods have many shortcomings. For example,precise timing between the packing list application and the shippinglabel application is required to properly align the two labels, and toavoid mismatches between the packing list and the shipping label (e.g.,where the packing list contains information about goods to be shipped toa first customer and the shipping label contains the address of adifferent customer. In addition, because two printers and two labelapplicators, along with related hardware and software, are required toapply a packing list and shipping label in sequence, such methodsrequire significant floor space and investment.

For the foregoing reasons, it is desired to provide labeling methodsthat allows automatic printing and application of a lower label and anupper label to a surface while avoiding the many shortcomings ofexisting labeling methods. For the foregoing reasons, it is desired toprovide labeling methods that allows automatic printing and applicationof a packing list label and shipping label to the surface of a sealedcarton while avoiding the many shortcomings of existing labelingmethods.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure includes disclosure of at least one system oflabels for automatic application to a surface. In at least oneembodiment, a label system according to the present disclosure comprisesa carrier material, an upper label, and a lower label. An upper label ofat least one such embodiment comprises a top surface and an opposingundersurface, the top surface and the undersurface having a leading edgeand a trailing edge, and the undersurface in contact with the carriermaterial. A lower label of at least one such embodiment comprises a topside and an opposing underside, the top side and the underside having aleading margin and a trailing margin, and the underside being in contactwith the carrier material. According to at least one such embodiment ofthe present disclosure, the upper label and the lower label are incontact with the carrier material in adjacent positions with thetrailing edge adjacent to the leading margin, and the upper label andthe lower label are configured for dispensing sequentially from thecarrier material onto a label applicator apparatus such that when theupper label and the lower label are dispensed onto the label applicatorapparatus the lower label is positioned against the undersurface of theupper label prior to attachment of the upper label and the lower labelto an article.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, anupper label comprises a removable segment and a lower label comprises aremovable region, and when the upper label and the lower label aredispensed onto a label applicator apparatus, the removable segment andthe removable region are in registration.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, anundersurface comprises a zone with reduced adhesive properties and anunderside comprises an area with reduced adhesive properties, and whenan upper label and a lower label are dispensed onto a label applicatorapparatus the zone with reduced adhesive properties and the area withreduced adhesive properties are in registration.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, thezone with reduced adhesive properties comprises an adhesive layercovered with an adhesive deadening agent.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, thearea with reduced adhesive properties comprises an adhesive layercovered with an adhesive deadening agent.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, anupper label comprises one or more holes therethrough, and when the upperlabel and a lower label are dispensed onto a label applicator apparatus,the lower label is held in position against the undersurface of theupper label by a vacuum force generated by the label applicatorapparatus, the vacuum force acting through the one or more holes.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, allof the underside comprises reduced adhesive properties.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, allof the underside comprises an adhesive layer covered with an adhesivedeadening agent.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, theundersurface comprises pressure sensitive adhesive that removablyadheres the undersurface to the carrier material.

In at least one embodiment, a label system according to the presentdisclosure comprises a carrier material, an upper label, and a lowerlabel. An upper label of at least one such embodiment is removablyadhered to the carrier material, and comprises a top surface, anundersurface, and a removable segment. An upper label of at least onesuch embodiment is bounded by a leading edge, a trailing edge, and firstand second side edges. The undersurface of an upper label of at leastone such embodiment comprises adhesive on at least a portion thereof andsuch an upper label is removably adhered to the carrier material by theadhesive. A lower label of at least one such embodiment is removablyadhered to the carrier material in a position on the carrier materialadjacent to the upper label and comprises a top side and an opposingunderside. A lower label of at least one such embodiment is bounded by aleading margin, a trailing margin, and a first and second side margins.According to at least one such embodiment of the present disclosure, theupper label and the lower label are configured for dispensingsequentially from the carrier material onto a label applicatorapparatus, such that when the upper label and the lower label aredispensed onto the label applicator apparatus the top surface ispositioned against the label applicator apparatus, the top side of lowerlabel is positioned against the undersurface of the upper label, and theunderside is exposed.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, thetop side of an upper label comprises a first surface area circumscribedby the leading margin, the trailing margin, and the first and secondside margins, and the top surface of a lower label comprises a secondsurface area circumscribed by the leading edge, the trailing edge, andthe first and second side edges, and the second surface area is notlarger than the first surface area.

In at least one embodiment, a label system according to the presentdisclosure comprises a carrier material, a removable upper label on thecarrier material, and a removable lower sheet on the carrier material ina position on the carrier material adjacent to the upper label. An upperlabel of at least one such embodiment comprises a top surface and anopposing undersurface, the undersurface facing the carrier material. Alower sheet of at least one such embodiment comprises a top side and anopposing underside, the underside facing the carrier material. Accordingto at least one such embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein theupper label and the lower sheet are configured for dispensingsequentially from the carrier material onto a label applicator apparatussuch that the top side of the lower sheet is positioned against theundersurface when the upper label and the lower sheet are dispensed ontothe label applicator apparatus.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, anupper label comprises a removable segment, and a lower sheet comprises aremovable region, and when the lower sheet is dispensed onto the labelapplicator apparatus, the removable segment and the removable region arein registration.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, theundersurface of an upper label comprises a zone with reduced adhesiveproperties, and the underside of a lower sheet comprises an area withreduced adhesive properties, and when the lower sheet is dispensed ontothe label applicator apparatus, the zone with reduced adhesiveproperties and the area with reduced adhesive properties are inregistration.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, thezone with reduced adhesive properties comprises an adhesive layercovered with an adhesive deadening agent.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, thearea with reduced adhesive properties comprises an adhesive layercovered with an adhesive deadening agent.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, anupper label comprises one or more holes therethrough, and a lower sheetis held in position against the undersurface of the upper label by thevacuum force generated by a label applicator apparatus, the vacuum forceacting through the one or more holes.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, alower sheet is held in position against the undersurface of the upperlabel by a vacuum force generated by a label applicator apparatus.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, allof the underside of a lower sheet comprises reduced adhesive properties.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, allof the underside of a lower sheet comprises an adhesive layer coveredwith an adhesive deadening agent.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, theundersurface of an upper label comprises adhesive, and when a lowersheet is dispensed onto the label applicator apparatus the adhesive onthe undersurface adhesively interacts with the top side of the lowersheet.

In at least one embodiment, the present disclosure includes disclosureof a method of assembling a multi-layer label comprising the steps ofproviding a label dispensing apparatus, the label dispensing apparatuscomprising a dispensing mechanism and a receptacle; providing a carriermaterial to the label dispensing apparatus, the carrier materialcomprising a first label thereon and a second label thereon in aposition on the carrier material adjacent to the first label, whereinthe first label and the second label are removably adhered to thecarrier material in a non-overlapping arrangement, the first labelcomprising a top side and an opposing underside, the underside facingthe carrier material, the second label comprising a top surface and anopposing undersurface, the undersurface facing the carrier material;with the label dispensing apparatus, dispensing the first label from thecarrier material onto the receptacle, whereby the underside of the firstlabel is against the receptacle and the top side of the first label isexposed; while the first label is on the receptacle, with the labeldispensing apparatus, dispensing the second label from the carriermaterial, wherein the second label alights on the first label such thatthe second label is layered over and aligned with the first label withthe undersurface of the second label in contact with the top side of thefirst label.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, thesecond label comprises a displaceable segment, and the first labelcomprises a removable region, and after the second label is dispensedonto the receptacle, the displaceable segment and the removable regionare in registration.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, theundersurface comprises a zone with reduced adhesive properties, and theunderside comprises an area with reduced adhesive properties, and afterthe second label is dispensed onto the receptacle, the zone with reducedadhesive properties and the area with reduced adhesive properties are inregistration.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, theundersurface comprises exposed adhesive.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, thesecond label comprises a removable segment.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, thesecond label comprises one or more holes therethrough.

In at least one embodiment, the present disclosure includes disclosureof a method of applying a first label and a second label to a surface,the method comprising the steps of providing a label dispensingapparatus, the label dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensingmechanism and a receptacle; providing a carrier material to the labeldispensing apparatus, the carrier material comprising a first labelremovably adhered thereto and a second label removably adhered theretoin a position on the carrier material adjacent to the first label, thefirst label comprising a top side, and an underside, the first labelbeing bounded by a leading edge, a trailing edge, and first and secondside edges, the underside comprising adhesive on at least a portionthereof, the underside removably adhered to the carrier material by theadhesive, the second label comprising a top side and an opposingundersurface, the second label being bounded by a leading margin, atrailing margin, and first and second side margins; dispensing the firstlabel onto a receptacle, whereby the underside of the first label isadjacent to the receptacle and the top side is exposed; advancing thesecond label with label dispensing apparatus; while the first label ison the receptacle, dispensing the second label onto the receptacle,wherein the second label alights on the first label such that the secondlabel is layered over and aligned with the first label with theundersurface of the second label in contact with the top side of thefirst label; and applying the second label and the first label to asurface simultaneously, whereby after application the underside of thefirst label is in contact with the surface and the undersurface of thesecond label is in contact with the top side of the first label andadhered to the surface.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, thesecond label comprises a displaceable segment, and wherein the firstlabel comprises a removable region, and wherein after the second labelis dispensed onto the receptacle, the displaceable segment and theremovable region are in registration.

In at least one embodiment, the present disclosure includes disclosureof a method of applying a first label and a second label to a container,the method comprising the steps of providing a carrier material, thecarrier material comprising a first label removably adhered thereto anda second label removably adhered thereto in a position on the carrieradjacent to the first label, the carrier material comprising a releasecoating on a surface thereof, the first label comprising a top side andan opposing underside, the top side and the underside being bounded by aleading margin, a trailing margin, and first and second side margins,the top side comprising a first surface area, the underside comprisingadhesive on at least a portion thereof, the underside removably adheredto the release coating by the adhesive, the second label comprising atop surface, and an undersurface, the top surface and the undersurfacebeing bounded by a leading edge, a trailing edge, and first and secondside edges, the top surface comprising a second surface area, the secondsurface area being at least as large as the first surface area, theundersurface comprising adhesive on at least a portion thereof, theundersurface removably adhered to the release coating by the adhesive;dispensing the second label onto a receptacle, whereby the undersurfaceof the first label is against the receptacle and the top surface isexposed; advancing the second label toward the receptacle; while thefirst label is against the receptacle, dispensing the second label ontothe receptacle, wherein the second label alights on the first label suchthat the second label is layered over and aligned with the first labelwith the undersurface of the second label in contact with the top sideof the first label; and applying the second label and the first label toa surface simultaneously, whereby after application the underside of thefirst label is adhered to the surface and the undersurface of the secondlabel is adhered to the surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of this disclosure, and the manner ofattaining them, will be more apparent and better understood by referenceto the following descriptions of the disclosed methods and systems,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a multi-part upper and lower label system according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of anupper label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 4A-B show side views of a multi-part upper and lower label systemaccording to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows the underside of a label applicator after an upper labeland a lower label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure have been dispensed thereon.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the application of an upper label and alower label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure to a surface of a container.

FIG. 7 shows an upper label and a lower label according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure adhered to a surface of acontainer.

FIGS. 8A-B show an embodiment of a multi-part upper and lower labelsystem according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9A shows a multi-part upper and lower label system according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B shows a multi-part upper and lower label system according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10A shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of anupper label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 10B shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of anupper label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 11A shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 11B shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 12A-B show side views of a multi-part upper and lower label systemaccording to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 shows the underside of a label applicator after an upper labeland a lower label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure have been dispensed thereon.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the application of an upper label and alower label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure to a surface of a container.

FIG. 15 shows an upper label and a lower label according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure adhered to a surface of acontainer.

FIGS. 16A-B show a multi-part upper and lower label system according toat least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 shows a multi-part upper and lower label system according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of anupper label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 19A shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 19B shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 20 shows a multi-part upper and lower label system according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of anupper label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 22A shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 22B shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 23 shows a multi-part upper and lower label system according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of anupper label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 25A shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 25B shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 26 shows a multi-part upper and lower label system according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of anupper label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 28 shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 29 shows a multi-part upper and lower label system according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 30 shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of anupper label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 31 shows a multi-part upper and lower label system according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 32 shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of anupper label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 33 shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 34 shows a multi-part upper and lower label system according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 35 shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of anupper label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 36 shows two labels dispensed from a label printer onto a tray forfuture application to a surface, according to at least one embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 37 shows a multi-part upper and lower label system according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 38 shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of anupper label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 39 shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 40 shows a multi-part upper and lower label system according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 41 shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of anupper label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 42 shows a multi-part upper and lower label system according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 43 shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of anupper label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 44 shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 45 shows a multi-part upper and lower label system according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 46 shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of anupper label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 47 shows two labels dispensed from a label printer onto a tray forfuture application to a surface, according to at least one embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thepresent disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodimentsillustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.

FIG. 1 shows a multi-part upper and lower label system 10 according toat least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 1 arelower label 14 and upper label 16. In at least one embodiment of amulti-part upper and lower label system according to the presentdisclosure, a plurality of lower labels 14 and upper labels 16 residealternately on carrier 12. In at least one embodiment of a multi-partupper and lower label system 10 according to the present disclosure,each lower label 14 comprises a packing list label, and each upper label16 comprises a shipping label.

According to at least one embodiment of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to the present disclosure, lower label 14 isbounded by leading edge 18, trailing edge 22, and side edges 20 and 24.One or more lines of weakness 36 define a boundary of removable region44. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure where lowerlabel 14 comprises a packing list label, removable region 44 comprises aremovable packing list. Frame 40 exists between a line of weakness 36and leading edge 18, trailing edge 22, and side edges 20 and 24.

According to at least one embodiment of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to the present disclosure, upper label 16 isbounded by leading edge 26, trailing edge 30, and side edges 28 and 32.One or more lines of weakness 38 define a boundary of removable segment46. Frame 42 lies between line of weakness 38 and leading edge 26,trailing edge 30, and side edges 28 and 32.

According to at least one embodiment of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to the present disclosure, the area of lowerlabel 14 bounded by leading edge 18, trailing edge 22, and side edges 20and 24 is greater than the area of upper label 16 bounded by leadingedge 26, trailing edge 30, and side edges 28 and 32. According to atleast one embodiment of a multi-part upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure, the area of removable region 44 isno larger than the area of removable segment 46.

According to at least one embodiment of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to the present disclosure, upper label 16 andlower label 14 are deployed adjacent to each other on carrier 12 andremovably adhered to carrier 12, thereby enabling upper label 16 andlower label 14 to be dispensed from carrier 12 in sequence as discussedherein. Carrier 12 comprises, in at least one embodiment, releasecoating 15 on the surface of carrier 12 facing the undersides of lowerlabel 14 and upper label 16. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, release coating 15 is a silicone release coating. Accordingto at least one embodiment of label system 10 according to the presentdisclosure, adhesive 13 is interposed between release coat 15 and theundersides of lower label 14 and upper label 16, as discussedhereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,adhesive 13 is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

In at least one embodiment of a multi-part upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure, carrier 12 comprises transversestripe 34. Transverse stripe 34 comprises a color or shading of a regionof carrier 12 that is different from the color of the remainder ofcarrier 12. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 34 islocated after each upper label 16 and before the adjacent lower label14. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 34 overlaps thetrailing edge 30 of each upper label 16 and the leading edge 18 of eachlower label 14.

In at least one embodiment of a multi-part upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure, one or more transverse stripes 34are used in conjunction with a detection apparatus for purposes ofsynchronizing the dispensing of the upper label 16 and the adjacentlower label 14.

FIG. 2 shows the underside of lower label 14 and the undersurface ofupper label 16 according to at least one embodiment of a multi-partupper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, withcarrier 12 not visible for purposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 2 isunderside 1014 of lower label 14, which is bounded by leading edge 18,trailing edge 22, and side edges 20 and 24. Also shown in FIG. 2 isundersurface 1016 of upper label 16, which is bounded by leading edge26, trailing edge 30, and side edges 28 and 32.

In at least one embodiment, underside 1014 of lower label 14 comprises afirst portion 1040 and a second portion 1044, separated by a line ofweakness 36. First portion 1040 comprise the underside of frame 40.Second portion 1044 comprises the underside of removable region 44. Inat least one embodiment, first portion 1040 comprises adhesive 13 on allof or substantially all of or a majority of its surface area. In atleast one embodiment, second portion 1044 is free of or substantiallyfree of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, second portion 1044comprises adhesive 13 on all of or substantially all of or a majority ofits surface area, but an adhesive deadening agent 17 such as, forexample, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 13 in those areasthereby rendering adhesive 13 ineffective in those areas. In at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent 17 isselected so as to not render adhesive 13 completely ineffective in thoseareas treated by adhesive deadening agent 17. In such an embodiment,after treatment of adhesive 13 with adhesive deadening agent 17, thetreated areas retain a slight tackiness.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, undersurface 1016of upper label 16 comprises a first portion 1042 and a second portion1046, separated by a line of weakness 38. First portion 1042 comprisesthe undersurface of frame 42. Second portion 1046 comprises theundersurface of removable segment 46. In at least one embodiment, firstportion 1042 comprises adhesive 13 on all of or substantially all of ora majority of its surface area. In at least one embodiment, secondportion 1046 is free of or substantially free of adhesive. In at leastone embodiment, second portion 1046 comprises adhesive 13 on all of orsubstantially all of or a majority of its surface area, but an adhesivedeadening agent 17 thereby such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish,covers adhesive 13 in those areas rendering adhesive 13 ineffective inthose areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,adhesive deadening agent 17 is selected so as to not render adhesive 13completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadeningagent 17. In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive 13 withadhesive deadening agent 17, the treated areas retain a slighttackiness.

FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken on line M-III of FIG. 1 . The multi-part upper andlower label system is shown in FIG. 3A in a semi-exploded state forpurposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 3A are carrier 12, adhesive 13, lowerlabel 14 comprising leading edge 18 and trailing edge 22, releasecoating 15, and upper label 16 comprising leading edge 26 and trailingedge 30. As shown in this embodiment of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to the present disclosure, second portion 1044and second portion 1046 are free of adhesive 13.

FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken on line III-III of FIG. 1 . The multi-part upper andlower label system is shown in FIG. 3B in a semi-exploded state forpurposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 3B are carrier 12, adhesive 13, lowerlabel 14 comprising leading edge 18 and trailing edge 22, releasecoating 15, upper label 16 comprising leading edge 26 and trailing edge30, and adhesive deadening agent 17. As shown in this embodiment of amulti-part upper and lower label system according to the presentdisclosure, second portion 1044 comprises adhesive 13 on all of orsubstantially all of or a majority of its surface area, but adhesivedeadening agent 17 such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, coversadhesive 13 in those areas. Second portion 1046 also comprises adhesive13 on all of or substantially all of or a majority of its surface area,but adhesive deadening agent 17 such as, for example, a non-adhesivevarnish, covers adhesive 13 in those areas.

FIGS. 4A-B show side views of a multi-part upper and lower label systemaccording to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure while inuse. As shown in FIG. 4A, carrier 12 with upper label 16 and lower label14 thereon is advanced in direction 508. Carrier 12 is routed aroundmember 502, causing upper label 16 to be dispensed from carrier 12beginning with leading edge 26. At least a portion of undersurface 1016of upper label 16 comprises adhesive 13 after it is dispensed fromcarrier 12. As upper label 16 is dispensed from carrier 12, upper label16 passes under label applicator 500. Force 504 generated by labelapplicator 500 causes upper label 16 to be lifted and held againstscreen 506. Screen 506 forms a lower surface of label applicator 500. Inat least one embodiment of the present disclosure, force 504 is a vacuumforce. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, force 504is an electrostatic force.

Turning now to FIG. 4B, after upper label 16 is dispensed from carrier12, carrier 12 with lower label 14 thereon is advanced in direction 508.Carrier 12 is routed around member 502, causing lower label 14 to bedispensed from carrier 12 beginning with leading edge 18. At least aportion of underside 1014 of lower label 14 comprises adhesive 13 afterit is dispensed from carrier 12. As lower label 14 is dispensed fromcarrier 12, lower label 14 passes under label applicator 500. Force 504generated by label applicator 500 causes lower label 14 to be lifted andheld against, and in registration with, upper label 16. Because in suchan embodiment of a multi-part upper and lower label system according tothe present disclosure the area of lower label 14 is greater than thearea of upper label 16, force 504 acts on the edges of lower label 14 tohold lower label 14 against screen 506. Undersurface 1016 begins to beadhered to lower label 14 by adhesive 13.

In at least one embodiment of a multi-part upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure, prior to the time upper label 16 isdispensed from carrier 12, indicia is printed on or applied to upperlabel 16. In an embodiment of applied upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure where upper label 16 is a shippinglabel, indicia, such as, for example, destination address and/or otherrelevant shipping indicia, may be printed on or applied to upper label16.

In at least one embodiment of a multi-part upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure, prior to the time lower label 14 isdispensed from carrier 12, indicia is printed on or applied to lowerlabel 14. In an embodiment of applied upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure where lower label 14 is a packinglist label, indicia, such as, for example, container contents and/orother packing list indicia, may be printed on or applied to lower label14.

In at least one embodiment, label applicator 500 comprises a printingcapability such as, for example, a thermal transfer printer or a directthermal printer. In such an embodiment, indicia may be applied to upperlabel 16 and/or lower label 14 by label applicator 500.

FIG. 5 shows the underside of label applicator 500 after upper label 16and lower label 14 have been dispensed thereon, according to at leastone embodiment of a multi-part upper and lower label system according tothe present disclosure. Visible in FIG. 5 is screen 506. As shown inFIG. 5 , underside 1014 of lower label 14 is visible. From the point ofview shown in FIG. 5 , lower label 14 fully obscures upper label 16,although upper label 16 is in registration with lower label 14, betweenlower label 14 and screen 506. Adhesive 13 is present in an effectiveamount in first portion 1040. Second portion 1044 comprises no more thanvery limited adhesive properties.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the application of upper label 16 and lowerlabel 14 to surface 601 of container 600, according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6 , labelapplicator 500 moves in direction 602, thereby moving upper label 16 andlower label 14 in direction 604 until the underside 1014 of lower label14 is in contact with surface 601 of container 600. The pressure oflabel applicator 500 against surface 601 of container 600 causesadhesive 13 to adhere the underside 1014 of lower label 14 to surface601 of container 600, and completes the adhesion of undersurface 1016 tolower label 14.

FIG. 7 shows lower label 14 and upper label 16 adhered to surface 601 ofcontainer 600, according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. As shown in FIG. 7 , lower label 14 and upper label 16 arein registration. A line of weakness 38 is visible on upper label 16.

FIGS. 8A-B show an embodiment of a multi-part upper and lower labelsystem according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8A,removable segment 46 of upper label 16 is partially removed from upperlabel 16 along a line of weakness 38. Removing segment 46 in thisfashion reveals removable region 44 of lower label 14. In an embodimentof applied upper and lower label system according to the presentdisclosure where lower label 14 is a packing list label, removableregion 44 may comprise a removable packing list. Because in such anembodiment of the present disclosure underside 1046 has no more thanvery limited adhesive properties, removable region 44 is not damaged ordefaced by removing segment 46. As segment 46 is removed, frame 42 ofupper label 16 remains adhered to lower label 14.

As shown in FIG. 8B, removable segment 46 of upper label 16 is fullyremoved from upper label 16 along a line of weakness 38. Removableregion 44 may be removed from lower label 14 along a line of weakness36. In an embodiment of applied upper and lower label system accordingto the present disclosure where lower label 14 is a packing list label,removable region 44 may comprise a removable packing list. Because insuch an embodiment of the present disclosure underside 1044 has no morethan very limited adhesive properties, removable region 44 is readilyremovable from surface 601 of container 600. After removable region 44is removed, frame 42 of upper label 16 remains adhered to frame 40 oflower label 14, and frame 40 of lower label 14 remains adhered tosurface 601 of container 600.

FIGS. 9A-B shows multi-part upper and lower label system 100 accordingto at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIGS.9A-B are lower label 114 and upper label 116. In at least one embodimentof the present disclosure, lower label 114 and upper label 116 resideadjacent to each other on carrier 112. In at least one embodiment of amulti-part upper and lower label system according to the presentdisclosure, a plurality of lower labels 114 and upper labels 116 residealternately on carrier 112. In at least one embodiment of a multi-partupper and lower label system 100 according to the present disclosure,each lower label 114 comprises a packing list label, and each upperlabel 116 comprises a shipping label.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lowerlabel 114 comprises leading edge 118, trailing edge 122, side edges 120and 124, side tabs 131 and 133, trailing tab 135, and removable region144. In an embodiment of multi-part upper and lower label system 100according to the present disclosure such as is shown in FIG. 9A, atrailing edge of side tabs 131 and 133 is substantially even withtrailing edge 122. In an embodiment of multi-part upper and lower labelsystem 100 according to the present disclosure such as is shown in FIG.9B, a trailing edge of side tabs 131 and 133 is not even with trailingedge 122. One or more lines of weakness 136 and 137 define a boundarybetween removable region 144 and side tabs 131 and 133, respectively.One or more lines of line of weakness 139 define a boundary betweenremovable region 144 and trailing tab 135. In at least one embodiment ofthe present disclosure, removable region 144 comprises a removablepacking list.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upperlabel 116 is bounded by leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and sideedges 128 and 132. One or more lines of weakness 138 define a boundaryof removable segment 146. Frame 142 lies between a line of weakness 138and leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and 132.According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upperlabel 116 comprises one or more holes 147. Holes 147 a, 147 b, 147 c,147 d, 147 e, 147 f. 147 g, and 147 h are shown in the embodiment oflabel system 100 of FIGS. 9A-B. Other embodiments of label system 100may have a greater number or lesser number of holes. According to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, holes 147 extend throughsegment 146 and carrier 112. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, holes 147 extend only through segment 146.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, prior touse upper label 116 and lower label 114 are deployed adjacent to eachother on carrier 112, thereby enabling upper label 116 and lower label114 to be dispensed from carrier 112 in sequence as discussed herein.Carrier 112 comprises, in at least one embodiment, release coating 115on the surface of carrier 112 facing the undersides of lower label 114and upper label 116. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, release coating 115 is a silicone release coating. Accordingto at least one embodiment of label system 100 according to the presentdisclosure, adhesive 113 is interposed between release coat 115 and theundersides of lower label 114 and upper label 116, as discussedhereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,adhesive 113 is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

In at least one embodiment, carrier 112 comprises transverse stripe 134.Transverse stripe 134 comprises a color or shading of a region ofcarrier 112 that is in contrast with the color of the remainder ofcarrier 112. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 islocated after each upper label 116 and before the adjacent lower label114. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 is locatedafter each lower label 114 and before the adjacent upper label 116. Inat least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 overlaps the trailingedge 130 of each upper label 116 and the leading edge 118 of each lowerlabel 114.

In at least one embodiment of a multi-part upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure, one or more transverse stripes 134are used in conjunction with a detection apparatus for purposes ofsynchronizing the dispensing of the upper label 116 and the adjacentlower label 114.

FIGS. 10A-B shows the underside of lower label 114 and the undersurfaceof upper label 116 according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, with carrier 112 not visible for purposes of clarity. Shownin FIGS. 10A-B is underside 1114 of lower label 114, comprising leadingedge 118, trailing edge 122, side edges 120 and 124, side tabs 131 and133, trailing tab 135, and removable region underside 1144. In anembodiment of multi-part upper and lower label system 100 according tothe present disclosure such as is shown in FIG. 10A, a trailing edge ofside tabs 131 and 133 is substantially even with trailing edge 122. Inan embodiment of multi-part upper and lower label system 100 accordingto the present disclosure such as is shown in FIG. 10B, a trailing edgeof side tabs 131 and 133 is not even with trailing edge 122. Also shownin FIGS. 10A-B is undersurface 1116 of upper label 116, which is boundedby leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and 132.

In at least one embodiment, underside 1114 of lower label 114 issubstantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, underside1114 of lower label 114 comprises adhesive 113 on all of orsubstantially all of or a majority of its surface area, but underside1114 comprises an adhesive deadening agent 117 such as, for example, anon-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 113 in those areas therebyrendering adhesive 113 ineffective in those areas. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent 117 isselected so as to not render adhesive 113 completely ineffective inthose areas treated by adhesive deadening agent 117. In such anembodiment, after treatment of adhesive 113 with adhesive deadeningagent 117, the treated areas retain a slight tackiness. In at least oneembodiment, all of underside 1114 is free of or substantially free ofadhesive properties, although in such an embodiment underside 1114 mayretain a slight tackiness. In at least one alternate embodiment, atleast a portion of the underside of trailing tab 135 may compriseadhesive 113 on all of or substantially all of or a majority of itssurface area. In such an embodiment, adhesive 113 serves to removablyadhere lower label 114 to carrier 112 until lower label 114 isdispensed.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, undersurface 1116of upper label 116 comprises a first portion 1142 and a second portion1146, separated by a line of weakness 138. First portion 1142 comprisesthe undersurface of frame 142. Second portion 1146 comprises theundersurface of removable segment 146. In at least one embodiment, firstportion 1142 comprises adhesive 113 on all of or substantially all of ora majority of its surface area. In at least one embodiment, secondportion 1146 is free of or substantially free of adhesive. In at leastone embodiment, second portion 1146 comprises adhesive 113 on all of orsubstantially all of or a majority of its surface area, but an adhesivedeadening agent 117 such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, coversadhesive 113 in those areas thereby rendering adhesive 113 ineffectivein those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,adhesive deadening agent 117 is selected so as to not render adhesive113 completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadeningagent 117. In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive 113 withadhesive deadening agent 117, the treated areas retain a slighttackiness.

FIG. 11A shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken on line XI-XI of FIG. 9A or FIG. 9B. The multi-partupper and lower label system is shown in FIG. 11A in a semi-explodedstate for purposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 11A are carrier 112,adhesive 113, lower label 114 including leading edge 118 and trailingtab 135, release coating 115, upper label 116 including leading edge 126and trailing edge 130, hole 147 a, and hole 147 h. As shown in thisembodiment of a multi-part upper and lower label system according to thepresent disclosure, underside 1144 and second portion 1146 are free ofadhesive 113.

FIG. 11B shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken on line XI-XI of FIG. 9A or FIG. 9B. The multi-partupper and lower label system is shown in FIG. 11B in a semi-explodedstate for purposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 11B are carrier 112,adhesive 113, lower label 114 including leading edge 118 and trailingtab 135, release coating 115, upper label 116 including leading edge 126and trailing edge 130, adhesive deadening agent 117, hole 147 a, andhole 147 h. In at least one other embodiment of the present disclosure,underside 1144 comprises adhesive 113 on all of or substantially all ofor a majority of its surface area, but adhesive deadening agent 117 suchas, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 113 in thoseareas. Second portion 1146 also comprises adhesive 113 on all of orsubstantially all of or a majority of its surface area, but adhesivedeadening agent 117 such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, coversadhesive 113 in those areas.

FIGS. 12A-B show a side view of a multi-part upper and lower labelsystem according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosurewhile in use. As shown in FIG. 12A, carrier 112 with upper label 116 andlower label 114 thereon is advanced in direction 508.

Carrier 112 is routed around member 502, causing upper label 116 to bedispensed from carrier 112 beginning with leading edge 126. At least aportion of undersurface 1116 of upper label 116 comprises adhesive 113after it is dispensed from carrier 112. As upper label 116 is dispensedfrom carrier 112, upper label 116 passes under label applicator 500.Force 504 generated by label applicator 500 causes upper label 116 to belifted and held against screen 506. Screen 506 forms a lower surface oflabel applicator 500.

Turning now to FIG. 12B, after upper label 116 is dispensed from carrier112, carrier 112 with lower label 114 thereon is advanced in direction508. Carrier 112 is routed around member 502, causing lower label 114 tobe dispensed from carrier 112 beginning with leading edge 118. As lowerlabel 114 is dispensed from carrier 112, lower label 114 passes underlabel applicator 500. Force 504 generated by label applicator 500 causeslower label 114 to be lifted and held against, and in registration with,upper label 116. In such an embodiment, lower label 114 is not incontact with screen 506. Because in at least one such embodiment of amulti-part upper and lower label system according to the presentdisclosure upper label 116 comprises one or more holes 147, even thoughthe area of lower label 114 is less than the area of upper label 116, ifforce 504 is a vacuum force, force 504 acts through holes 147 in upperlabel 116 to bold lower label 114 against, and in registration with,upper label 116. Undersurface 1116 begins to be adhered to lower label114 by adhesive 113.

In at least one embodiment of a multi-part upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure, prior to the time upper label 116is dispensed from carrier 112, indicia is printed on or applied to upperlabel 116. In an embodiment of applied upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure where upper label 116 is a shippinglabel, indicia, such as, for example, destination address and/or otherrelevant shipping indicia, may be printed on or applied to upper label116.

In at least one embodiment of a multi-part upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure, prior to the time lower label 114is dispensed from carrier 112, indicia is printed on or applied to lowerlabel 114. In an embodiment of applied upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure where lower label 114 is a packinglist label, indicia, such as, for example, container contents and/orother packing list indicia, may be printed on or applied to lower label114.

In at least one embodiment, label applicator 500 comprises a printingcapability such as, for example, a thermal transfer printer or a directthermal printer. In such an embodiment, indicia may be applied to upperlabel 116 and/or lower label 114 by label applicator 500.

FIG. 13 shows the underside of label applicator 500 after upper label116 and lower label 114 have been dispensed thereon, according to atleast one embodiment of a multi-part upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure. Visible in FIG. 13 is screen 506.Shown in FIG. 13 are undersurface 1116 comprising first portion 1142 andsecond portion 1146 separated by a line of weakness 138. First portion1142 comprises effective amount of adhesive 113 on its surface area.Also shown in FIG. 13 is underside 1114 of lower label 114, comprisingside tabs 131 and 133, trailing tab 135, lines of weakness 136, 137, and139, and removable region underside 1144. As shown in FIG. 13 , in atleast one embodiment of a multi-part upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure only tabs 131, 133, and 135 comeinto contact with adhesive 113 on first portion 1142. Accordingly, insuch an embodiment lower label 114 is adhered to undersurface 1116 onlyat tabs 131, 133, and 135.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the application of upper label 116 andlower label 114 to a surface 601 of container 600, according to at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 14 , labelapplicator 500 moves in direction 602, thereby moving upper label 116and lower label 114 in direction 604 until the underside of lower label114 is in contact with surface 601 of container 600. The pressure oflabel applicator 500 against surface 601 of container 600 causesadhesive 113 to adhere the undersurface 1116 of upper label 116 tosurface 601 of container 600, and completes the adhesion of undersurface1116 to lower label 114.

FIG. 15 shows lower label 114 and upper label 116 adhered to a surfaceof container 600. Shown in FIG. 15 is upper label 116 comprising a lineof weakness 138 and removable segment 146. Lower label 114 comprisingremovable region 144 is concealed under upper label 116, with removableregion 144 in registration with removable segment 146.

FIGS. 16A-B show an embodiment of a multi-part upper and lower labelsystem according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 16A,removable segment 146 of upper label 116 is partially removed from upperlabel 116 along a line of weakness 138. Removing segment 146 in thisfashion reveals removable region 144. In an embodiment of applied upperand lower label system according to the present disclosure where lowerlabel 114 is a packing list label, removable region 144 may comprise aremovable packing list. Because in such an embodiment of the presentdisclosure underside 1146 has no more than very limited adhesiveproperties, removable region 144 is not damaged or defaced by removingsegment 146. As segment 146 is removed, frame 142 of upper label 116remains adhered to lower label 114 at tabs 131, 133, and 135 and also tosurface 601.

As shown in FIG. 16B, removable region 144 may be removed from lowerlabel 114 along lines of weakness 136, 137, and 139. In an embodiment ofapplied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosurewhere lower label 114 is a packing list label, removable region 144 maycomprise a removable packing list. Because in such an embodiment of thepresent disclosure underside 1144 has no more than very limited adhesiveproperties, removable region 144 is readily removable from surface 601of container 600. After removable region 144 is removed, frame 142 ofupper label 116 remains adhered to surface 601 of container 600, andtabs 131, 133, and 135 are retained under frame 142.

FIG. 17 shows multi-part upper and lower label system 101 according toat least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 17 arelower label 114 and upper label 116. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, lower label 114 and upper label 116 reside adjacentto each other on carrier 112. In at least one embodiment of a multi-partupper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, aplurality of lower labels 114 and upper labels 116 reside alternately oncarrier 112. In at least one embodiment of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system 101 according to the present disclosure, each upper label116 comprises a shipping label, and each lower label 114 comprises areturn label.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lowerlabel 114 comprises leading edge 118, trailing edge 122, side edges 120and 124, side tabs 131 and 133, and trailing tab 135. In an embodimentof multi-part upper and lower label system 101 according to the presentdisclosure, a trailing edge of side tabs 131 and 133 may besubstantially even with trailing edge 122.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upperlabel 116 is bounded by leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and sideedges 128 and 132. One or more lines of weakness 138 define a boundaryof removable segment 146. Frame 142 lies between a line of weakness 138and leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and 132.According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upperlabel 116 comprises one or more holes 147. Holes 147 a-147 h are shownin the embodiment of label system 101 of FIG. 17 . Other embodiments oflabel system 101 may have a greater number or lesser number of holes.According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, holes147 extend through segment 146 and carrier 112. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, holes 147 extend only throughsegment 146.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, prior touse upper label 116 and lower label 114 are deployed adjacent to eachother on carrier 112, thereby enabling upper label 116 and lower label114 to be dispensed from carrier 112 in sequence as discussed herein.Carrier 112 comprises, in at least one embodiment, release coating 115on the surface of carrier 112 facing the underside of lower label 114and undersurface of upper label 116. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, release coating 115 is a silicone release coating.According to at least one embodiment of label system 101 according tothe present disclosure, adhesive 113 is interposed between release coat115 and the underside of lower label 114 and undersurface of upper label116, as discussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, adhesive 113 is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

In at least one embodiment, carrier 112 comprises transverse stripe 134.Transverse stripe 134 comprises a color or shading of a region ofcarrier 112 that is in contrast with the color of the remainder ofcarrier 112. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 islocated after each upper label 116 and before the adjacent lower label114. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 is locatedafter each lower label 114 and before the adjacent upper label 116. Inat least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 overlaps the trailingedge 130 of each upper label 116 and the leading edge 118 of each lowerlabel 114.

In at least one embodiment of a multi-part upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure, one or more transverse stripes 134are used in conjunction with a detection apparatus for purposes ofsynchronizing the dispensing of the upper label 116 and the adjacentlower label 114.

FIG. 18 shows the underside of lower label 114 and the undersurface ofupper label 116 according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, with carrier 112 not visible for purposes of clarity. Shownin FIG. 18 is underside 1114 of lower label 114, comprising leading edge118, trailing edge 122, side edges 120 and 124, side tabs 131 and 133,and trailing tab 135. In an embodiment of multi-part upper and lowerlabel system 101 according to the present disclosure, a trailing edge ofside tabs 131 and 133 may be substantially even with trailing edge 122.Also shown in FIG. 18 is undersurface 1116 of upper label 116, which isbounded by leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and132.

In at least one embodiment, underside 1114 of lower label 114 comprisesadhesive 113 on at least a portion of its surface area. In at least oneembodiment, underside 1114 of lower label 114 comprises adhesive 113 onall of or substantially all of or a majority of its surface area. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, undersurface 1116 ofupper label 116 comprises a first portion 1142 and a second portion1146, separated by a line of weakness 138. First portion 1142 comprisesthe undersurface of frame 142. Second portion 1146 comprises theundersurface of removable segment 146. In at least one embodiment, firstportion 1142 comprises adhesive 113 on all of or substantially all of ora majority of its surface area. In at least one embodiment, secondportion 1146 is free of or substantially free of adhesive. In at leastone embodiment, second portion 1146 comprises adhesive 113 on all of orsubstantially all of or a majority of its surface area, but an adhesivedeadening agent 117 such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, coversadhesive 113 in those areas thereby rendering adhesive 113 ineffectivein those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,adhesive deadening agent 117 is selected so as to not render adhesive113 completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadeningagent 117. In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive 113 withadhesive deadening agent 117, the treated areas retain a slighttackiness.

FIG. 19A shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken on line XIX-XIX of FIG. 17 . The multi-part upper andlower label system is shown in FIG. 19A in a semi-exploded state forpurposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 19A are carrier 112, adhesive 113,lower label 114 including leading edge 118 and trailing tab 135, releasecoating 115, upper label 116 including leading edge 126 and trailingedge 130, hole 147 a, and hole 147 h. As shown in this embodiment of amulti-part upper and lower label system according to the presentdisclosure, second portion 1146 is free of adhesive 113 and underside1144 comprises adhesive 113 on all of or substantially all of or amajority of its surface area.

FIG. 19B shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken on line XIX-XIX of FIG. 17 . The multi-part upper andlower label system is shown in FIG. 19B in a semi-exploded state forpurposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 19B are carrier 112, adhesive 113,lower label 114 including leading edge 118 and trailing tab 135, releasecoating 115, upper label 116 including leading edge 126 and trailingedge 130, adhesive deadening agent 117, hole 147 a, and hole 147 h. Inat least one other embodiment of the present disclosure, underside 1144comprises adhesive 113 on all of or substantially all of or a majorityof its surface area. Second portion 1146 also comprises adhesive 113 onall of or substantially all of or a majority of its surface area, butadhesive deadening agent 117 such as, for example, a non-adhesivevarnish, covers adhesive 113 in that area.

Multi-part upper and lower label system 101 according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure may be automatically applied to asurface through the use of apparatuses and processes substantiallysimilar to the apparatuses and processes shown and described in FIGS.12A-15 and this written description. Multi-part upper and lower labelsystem 101 according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure may be used in a manner substantially similar to manner shownand described in FIGS. 16A-16B and this written description, providedthat because underside 1114 of lower label 114 of multi-part upper andlower label system 101 according to at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure comprises adhesive 113 on all of or substantially allof or a majority of its surface area, lower label 114 of multi-partupper and lower label system 101 is not readily removable from thesurface to which it is applied. According to at least one embodiment ofmulti-part upper and lower label system 101 according to the presentdisclosure, upper label 116 comprises shipping address indicia and lowerlabel 114 comprises return shipping address indicia. According to suchan embodiment, if a container comprising upper label 116 and lower label114 is to be returned to its source, upon receipt the recipient mayremove upper label 116 to reveal return shipping address indicia onlower label 114. The container then may be shipped back to its source.

FIG. 20 shows multi-part upper and lower label system 102 according toat least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 20 arelower label 114 and upper label 116. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, lower label 114 and upper label 116 reside adjacentto each other on carrier 112. In at least one embodiment of a multi-partupper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, aplurality of lower labels 114 and upper labels 116 reside alternately oncarrier 112. In at least one embodiment of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system 102 according to the present disclosure, each lower label114 comprises a packing list label, and each upper label 116 comprises ashipping label.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lowerlabel 114 comprises leading edge 118, trailing edge 122, side edges 120and 124, and trailing tab 135. According to at least one embodiment ofthe present disclosure, upper label 116 is bounded by leading edge 126,trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and 132. One or more lines ofweakness 138 define a boundary of removable segment 146. Frame 142 liesbetween a line of weakness 138 and leading edge 126, trailing edge 130,and side edges 128 and 132. According to at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, upper label 116 comprises one or more holes 147.Holes 147 a-147 i are shown in the embodiment of label system 102 ofFIG. 20 . Other embodiments of label system 102 may have a greaternumber or lesser number of holes. According to at least one embodimentof the present disclosure, holes 147 extend through segment 146 andcarrier 112. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, holes147 extend only through segment 146.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, prior touse upper label 116 and lower label 114 are deployed adjacent to eachother on carrier 112, thereby enabling upper label 116 and lower label114 to be dispensed from carrier 112 in sequence as discussed herein.Carrier 112 comprises, in at least one embodiment, release coating 115on the surface of carrier 112 facing the underside of lower label 114and undersurface of upper label 116. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, release coating 115 is a silicone release coating.According to at least one embodiment of label system 102 according tothe present disclosure, adhesive 113 is interposed between release coat115 and the underside of lower label 114 and undersurface of upper label116, as discussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, adhesive 113 is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

In at least one embodiment, carrier 112 comprises transverse stripe 134.Transverse stripe 134 comprises a color or shading of a region ofcarrier 112 that is in contrast with the color of the remainder ofcarrier 112. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 islocated after each upper label 116 and before the adjacent lower label114. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 is locatedafter each lower label 114 and before the adjacent upper label 116. Inat least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 overlaps the trailingedge 130 of each upper label 116 and the leading edge 118 of each lowerlabel 114.

In at least one embodiment of a multi-part upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure, one or more transverse stripes 134are used in conjunction with a detection apparatus for purposes ofsynchronizing the dispensing of the upper label 116 and the adjacentlower label 114.

FIG. 21 shows the underside of lower label 114 and the undersurface ofupper label 116 according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, with carrier 112 not visible for purposes of clarity. Shownin FIG. 21 is underside 1114 of lower label 114, comprising leading edge118, trailing edge 122, side edges 120 and 124, and trailing tab 135.Also shown in FIG. 21 is undersurface 1116 of upper label 116, which isbounded by leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and132.

In at least one embodiment, underside 1114 of lower label 114 is free ofor substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, underside1114 comprises adhesive 113 on all of or substantially all of or amajority of its surface area, but an adhesive deadening agent 117 suchas, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 113 in thoseareas thereby rendering adhesive 113 ineffective in those areas. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent117 is selected so as to not render adhesive 113 completely ineffectivein those areas treated by adhesive deadening agent 117. In such anembodiment, after treatment of adhesive 113 with adhesive deadeningagent 117, the treated areas retain a slight tackiness.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, undersurface 1116of upper label 116 comprises a first portion 1142, a second portion1146, and a third portion 1147. First portion 1142 and third portion1147 comprise the undersurface of frame 142. Second portion 1146comprises the undersurface of removable segment 146. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, first portion 1142 and secondportion 1146 are separated by a line of weakness 138.

In at least one embodiment, first portion 1142 comprises adhesive 113 onall of or substantially all of or a majority of its surface area. In atleast one embodiment, second portion 1146 and third portion 1147 arefree of or substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment,second portion 1146 and third portion 1147 comprise adhesive 113 on allof or substantially all of or a majority of their surface area, but anadhesive deadening agent 117 such as, for example, a non-adhesivevarnish, covers adhesive 113 in those areas thereby rendering adhesive113 ineffective in those areas. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, adhesive deadening agent 117 is selected so as tonot render adhesive 113 completely ineffective in those areas treated byadhesive deadening agent 117. In such an embodiment, after treatment ofadhesive 113 with adhesive deadening agent 117, the treated areas retaina slight tackiness.

FIG. 22A shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken on line XXII-XXII of FIG. 20 . The multi-part upper andlower label system is shown in FIG. 22A in a semi-exploded state forpurposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 22A are carrier 112, adhesive 113,lower label 114 including leading edge 118 and trailing tab 135, releasecoating 115, upper label 116 including leading edge 126 and trailingedge 130, hole 147 a, hole 147 h, hole 147 i, and hole 147 j. As shownin this embodiment of a multi-part upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure, second portion 1146 is free ofadhesive 113 and underside 1144 is free of adhesive 113.

FIG. 22B shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken on line XXII-XXII of FIG. 20 . The multi-part upper andlower label system is shown in FIG. 22B in a semi-exploded state forpurposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 22B are carrier 112, adhesive 113,lower label 114 including leading edge 118 and trailing tab 135, releasecoating 115, upper label 116 including leading edge 126 and trailingedge 130, adhesive deadening agent 117, hole 147 a, hole 147 h, hole 147i, and hole 147 j. In at least one other embodiment of the presentdisclosure, underside 1144 comprises adhesive 113 on all of orsubstantially all of or a majority of its surface area, but adhesivedeadening agent 117 such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, coversadhesive 113 in that area. Second portion 1146 also comprises adhesive113 on all of or substantially all of or a majority of its surface area,but adhesive deadening agent 117 such as, for example, a non-adhesivevarnish, covers adhesive 113 in that area.

Multi-part upper and lower label system 102 according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure may be automatically applied to asurface through the use of apparatuses and processes substantiallysimilar to the apparatuses and processes shown and described in FIGS.12A-15 and this written description. Multi-part upper and lower labelsystem 102 according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure may be used in a manner substantially similar to manner shownand described in FIGS. 16A-16B and this written description, providedthat because third portion 1147 is either free of adhesive 113 orcovered with an adhesive deadening agent 117, when lower label 114 isremoved from the surface to which upper and lower label system 102 hasbeen applied, all of lower label 114 including trailing tab 135 isremoved from such surface.

FIG. 23 shows multi-part upper and lower label system 103 according toat least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 23 arelower label 114 and upper label 116. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, lower label 114 and upper label 116 reside adjacentto each other on carrier 112. In at least one embodiment of a multi-partupper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, aplurality of lower labels 114 and upper labels 116 reside alternately oncarrier 112. In at least one embodiment of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system 103 according to the present disclosure, each upper label116 comprises a shipping label, and each lower label 114 comprises apacking list label.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lowerlabel 114 comprises leading edge 118, trailing edge 122, side edges 120and 124, side tabs 131 and 133, trailing tab 135, and removable region144. One or more lines of weakness 136 and 137 define a boundary betweenremovable region 144 and side tabs 131 and 133, respectively. In atleast one such embodiment, trailing edge 122 comprises a plurality oftrailing tabs 141. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,removable region 144 comprises a removable packing list.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upperlabel 116 is bounded by leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and sideedges 128 and 132. One or more lines of weakness 138 define a boundaryof removable segment 146. Frame 142 lies between a line of weakness 138and leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and 132.According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upperlabel 116 comprises one or more holes 147. Holes 147 a-147 h are shownin the embodiment of label system 103 of FIG. 23 . Other embodiments oflabel system 103 may have a greater number or lesser number of holes.According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, holes147 extend through segment 146 and carrier 112. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, holes 147 extend only throughsegment 146.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, prior touse upper label 116 and lower label 114 are deployed adjacent to eachother on carrier 112, thereby enabling upper label 116 and lower label114 to be dispensed from carrier 112 in sequence as discussed herein.Carrier 112 comprises, in at least one embodiment, release coating 115on the surface of carrier 112 facing the underside of lower label 114and undersurface of upper label 116. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, release coating 115 is a silicone release coating.According to at least one embodiment of label system 103 according tothe present disclosure, adhesive 113 is interposed between release coat115 and the underside of lower label 114 and undersurface of upper label116, as discussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, adhesive 113 is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

In at least one embodiment, carrier 112 comprises transverse stripe 134.Transverse stripe 134 comprises a color or shading of a region ofcarrier 112 that is in contrast with the color of the remainder ofcarrier 112. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 islocated after each upper label 116 and before the adjacent lower label114. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 is locatedafter each lower label 114 and before the adjacent upper label 116. Inat least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 overlaps the trailingedge 130 of each upper label 116 and the leading edge 118 of each lowerlabel 114.

In at least one embodiment of a multi-part upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure, one or more transverse stripes 134are used in conjunction with a detection apparatus for purposes ofsynchronizing the dispensing of the upper label 116 and the adjacentlower label 114.

FIG. 24 shows the underside of lower label 114 and the undersurface ofupper label 116 according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, with carrier 112 not visible for purposes of clarity. Shownin FIG. 24 is underside 1114 of lower label 114, comprising leading edge118, trailing edge 122, side edges 120 and 124, side tabs 131 and 133,trailing tabs 141, and removable region underside 1144. In at least oneembodiment, the underside of at least one of trailing tabs 141 comprisessegment 1141. According to such an embodiment, each segment 1141comprises adhesive 113 on all of or substantially all of or a majorityof its surface area. In such an embodiment, each segment 1141 comprisingadhesive 113 serves to removably adhere packing list label 114 tocarrier 112 until packing list label 114 is dispensed. According to suchan embodiment, the rest of underside 1114 of packing list label 114 issubstantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, underside1114 of packing list label 114 comprises adhesive 113 on all of orsubstantially all of or a majority of its surface area, but the portionsof underside 1114 other than segments 1141 comprise an adhesivedeadening agent 117 such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, coversadhesive 113 in those areas thereby rendering adhesive 113 ineffectivein those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,adhesive deadening agent 117 is selected so as to not render adhesive113 completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadeningagent 117. In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive 113 withadhesive deadening agent 117, the treated areas retain a slighttackiness. In at least one embodiment, all of underside 1114 is free ofor substantially free of adhesive properties, although in such anembodiment underside 1114 may retain a slight tackiness.

Also shown in FIG. 24 is undersurface 1116 of upper label 116, which isbounded by leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and132. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, undersurface1116 of upper label 116 comprises a first portion 1142 and a secondportion 1146, separated by a line of weakness 138. First portion 1142comprises the undersurface of frame 142. Second portion 1146 comprisesthe undersurface of removable segment 146. In at least one embodiment,first portion 1142 comprises adhesive 113 on all of or substantially allof or a majority of its surface area. In at least one embodiment, secondportion 1146 is free of or substantially free of adhesive. In at leastone embodiment, second portion 1146 comprises adhesive 113 on all of orsubstantially all of or a majority of its surface area, but an adhesivedeadening agent 117 such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, coversadhesive 113 in those areas thereby rendering adhesive 113 ineffectivein those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,adhesive deadening agent 117 is selected so as to not render adhesive113 completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadeningagent 117. In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive 113 withadhesive deadening agent 117, the treated areas retain a slighttackiness.

FIG. 25A shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken on line XXV-XXV of FIG. 25 . The multi-part upper andlower label system is shown in FIG. 25A in a semi-exploded state forpurposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 25A are carrier 112, adhesive 113,lower label 114 including leading edge 118, a trailing tab 141 and asegment 1141, release coating 115, upper label 116 including leadingedge 126 and trailing edge 130. As shown in this embodiment of amulti-part upper and lower label system according to the presentdisclosure, second portion 1146 is free of adhesive 113 and underside1144 is free of adhesive 113.

FIG. 25B shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-part upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken on line XXV-XXV of FIG. 23 . The multi-part upper andlower label system is shown in FIG. 25B in a semi-exploded state forpurposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 25B are carrier 112, adhesive 113,lower label 114 including leading edge 118, a trailing tab 141 and asegment 1141, release coating 115, upper label 116 including leadingedge 126 and trailing edge 130, and adhesive deadening agent 117. In atleast one other embodiment of the present disclosure, underside 1144comprises adhesive 113 on all of or substantially all of or a majorityof its surface area, but adhesive deadening agent 117 such as, forexample, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 113 in that area.Second portion 1146 also comprises adhesive 113 on all of orsubstantially all of or a majority of its surface area, but adhesivedeadening agent 117 such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, coversadhesive 113 in that area.

Multi-part upper and lower label system 103 according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure may be automatically applied to asurface through the use of apparatuses and processes substantiallysimilar to the apparatuses and processes shown and described in FIGS.12A-15 and this written description. Multi-part upper and lower labelsystem 102 according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure may be used in a manner substantially similar to manner shownand described in FIGS. 16A-16B and this written description, providedthat when removable region 144 is removed the surface to which it isapplied, removable region 144 is separated from lower label 114 alonglines of weakness 136 and 137, and by tearing trailing tabs 141.

FIG. 26 shows a first and second label system 200 according to at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 26 are firstlabel 214 and second label 216 on carrier 212. In at least oneembodiment of a first and second label system according to the presentdisclosure, a plurality of first labels 214 and second labels 216 residealternately on carrier 212. In at least one embodiment of a first andsecond label system 200 according to the present disclosure, each firstlabel 214 comprises a packing list label, and each second label 216comprises a shipping label.

According to at least one embodiment of a first and second label system200 according to the present disclosure, first label 214 is bounded byleading edge 218, trailing edge 222, and side edges 220 and 224.According to at least one embodiment of a first and second label system200 according to the present disclosure, second label 216 is bounded byleading edge 226, trailing edge 230, and side edges 228 and 232. One ormore lines of weakness 238 define a boundary of removable segment 246 insecond label 216. Frame 242 lies between lines of weakness 238 andleading edge 226, trailing edge 230, and side edges 228 and 232.

According to at least one embodiment of a first and second label system200 according to the present disclosure, the area of first label 214bounded by leading edge 218, trailing edge 222, and side edges 220 and224 is smaller than the area of second label 216 bounded by leading edge226, trailing edge 230, and side edges 228 and 232. According to atleast one embodiment of a first and second label system according to thepresent disclosure, the area of first label 214 is no larger than thearea of removable segment 246. According to at least one embodiment of afirst and second label system 200 according to the present disclosure,second label 216 comprises a length L₁ that is the closest distancebetween leading edge 226 said trailing edge 230, and first label 214comprises a length L₂ that is the closest distance between leading edge218 and trailing edge 222, and L₁>0.2. According to at least oneembodiment of a first and second label system 200 according to thepresent disclosure, second label 216 comprises a width W₁ that is theclosest distance between first side edge 228 and second side edge 232,and first label 214 comprises a width W₂ that is the closest distancebetween first side edge 220 and second side edge 224, and W₁>W₂.According to at least one embodiment of a first and second label system200 according to the present disclosure, second label 216 comprises adistance D₁ that is the closest distance between parallel segments oflines of weakness 238, and D₁>W₂.

According to at least one embodiment of a first and second label systemaccording to the present disclosure, second label 216 and first label214 are deployed adjacent to each other on carrier 212 and removablyadhered to carrier 212, thereby enabling second label 216 and firstlabel 214 to be dispensed from carrier 212 in sequence as discussedherein. Carrier 212 comprises, in at least one embodiment, releasecoating 215 on the surface of carrier 212 facing the undersides of firstlabel 214 and second label 216. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, release coating 215 is a silicone release coating.According to at least one embodiment of label system 200 according tothe present disclosure, adhesive 213 is interposed between release coat215 and first label 214 and second label 216, as discussed hereinafter.In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive 213 is apressure sensitive adhesive.

FIG. 27 shows the underside of first label 214 and the undersurface ofsecond label 216 according to at least one embodiment of a first andsecond label system according to the present disclosure, with carrier212 not visible for purposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 27 is underside1214 of first label 214, which is bounded by leading edge 218, trailingedge 222, and side edges 220 and 224. Also shown in FIG. 27 isundersurface 1216 of second label 216, which is bounded by leading edge226, trailing edge 230, and side edges 228 and 232.

In at least one embodiment, underside 1214 of first label 214 comprisesadhesive 213 on all of or substantially all of or a majority of itssurface area. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,undersurface 1216 of second label 216 comprises a first portion 1242 anda second portion 1246, separated by a lines of weakness 238. Firstportion 1242 comprises the undersurface of frame 242. Second portion1246 comprises the undersurface of removable segment 246. In at leastone embodiment, first portion 1242 comprises adhesive 213 on all of orsubstantially all of or a majority of its surface area. In at least oneembodiment, second portion 1246 is free of or substantially free ofadhesive. In the embodiment of label system 200 shown in FIG. 27 ,second portion 1246 comprises spot 1213 of adhesive 213 near trailingedge 230.

FIG. 28 shows a cross-sectional view of a first and second label systemaccording to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure taken online XXVIII-XXVIII of FIG. 26 . The first and second label system 200 isshown in FIG. 28 in a semi-exploded state for purposes of clarity. Shownin FIG. 28 are carrier 212, adhesive 213, first label 214 comprisingleading edge 218 and trailing edge 222, release coating 215, and secondlabel 216 comprising leading edge 226 and trailing edge 230.

FIG. 29 shows a first and second label system 200 according to at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising first label 214 andsecond label 216 as discussed hereinabove. FIG. 30 shows the undersideof first label 214 and the undersurface of second label 216, withcarrier 212 not visible for purposes of clarity. In the embodiment offirst and second label system 200 shown in FIGS. 29-30 , second label216 comprises hole 239. Other embodiments of label system 200 may have agreater number of holes. According to at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, hole 239 extends through removable segment 246 andcarrier 212. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, hole239 extends only through removable segment 246.

FIG. 31 shows a first and second label system 300 according to at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 31 are firstlabel 314 and second label 316 on carrier 312. In at least oneembodiment of a first and second label system according to the presentdisclosure, a plurality of first labels 314 and second labels 316 residealternately on carrier 312. In at least one embodiment of a first andsecond label system 300 according to the present disclosure, each firstlabel 314 comprises a packing list label, and each second label 316comprises a shipping label.

According to at least one embodiment of a first and second label systemaccording to the present disclosure, first label 314 is bounded byleading edge 318, trailing edge 322, and side edges 320 and 324. One ormore lines of weakness 336 define a boundary of removable region 344 infirst label 314. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosurewhere first label 314 comprises a packing list label, removable region344 comprises a removable packing list. Frame 340 exists between line ofweakness 336, and leading edge 318 and side edges 320 and 324. Frame 340comprises leading frame segment 333.

According to at least one embodiment of a first and second label systemaccording to the present disclosure, second label 316 is bounded byleading edge 326, trailing edge 330, and side edges 328 and 332. Secondlabel 316 comprises tear strip 339 framed by parallel lines of weakness343, 347. Lines of weakness 338 define a boundary of displaceablesegment 346. According to at least one embodiment of a first and secondlabel system according to the present disclosure, the area of firstlabel 314 bounded by leading edge 318, trailing edge 322, and side edges320 and 324 is smaller than the area of second label 316 bounded byleading edge 326, trailing edge 330, and side edges 328 and 332.

According to at least one embodiment of a first and second label system300 according to the present disclosure, first label 314 and secondlabel 316 are deployed adjacent to each other on carrier 312 andremovably adhered to carrier 312, thereby enabling first label 314 andsecond label 316 to be dispensed from carrier 312 in sequence asdiscussed herein. Carrier 312 comprises, in at least one embodiment,release coating 315 on the surface of carrier 312 facing first label 314and second label 316. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, release coating 315 is a silicone release coating. Accordingto at least one embodiment of label system 300 according to the presentdisclosure, adhesive 313 is interposed between release coat 315 and theundersides of first label 314 and second label 316, as discussedhereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,adhesive 313 is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

FIG. 32 shows the underside of first label 314 and the undersurface ofsecond label 316 according to at least one embodiment of a first andsecond label system according to the present disclosure, with carrier312 not visible for purposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 32 is underside1314 of first label 314, which is bounded by leading edge 318, trailingedge 322, and side edges 320 and 324. Also shown in FIG. 32 isundersurface 1316 of second label 316, which is bounded by leading edge326, trailing edge 330, and side edges 328 and 332.

In at least one embodiment, underside 1314 of first label 314 comprisesa first portion 1340 and a second portion 1344, separated by a line ofweakness 336. First portion 1340 comprise the underside of frame 340.Second portion 1344 comprises the underside of removable region 344. Inat least one embodiment, first portion 1340 comprises adhesive 313 onall of or substantially all of or a majority of its surface area. In atleast one embodiment, second portion 1344 is free of or substantiallyfree of adhesive.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, undersurface 1316of second label 316 comprises a first portion 1342 and a second portion1346. In at least one embodiment, first portion 1342 comprises adhesive313 on all of or substantially all of or a majority of its surface area.First portion 1342 comprises leading adhesive segment 335. In at leastone embodiment, second portion 1346 is free of or substantially free ofadhesive, as is the undersurface of tear strip 339.

FIG. 33 shows a cross-sectional view of a first and second label systemaccording to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure taken online XXXIII-XXXIII of FIG. 31 . The first and second label system isshown in FIG. 33 in a semi-exploded state for purposes of clarity. Shownin FIG. 33 are carrier 312, adhesive 313, first label 314 comprisingleading edge 318 and trailing edge 322, release coating 315, and secondlabel 316 comprising leading edge 326 and trailing edge 330.

FIG. 34 shows a first and second label system 300 according to at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising first label 314 andsecond label 316 as discussed hereinabove. FIG. 35 shows the undersideof first label 314 and the undersurface of second label 316, withcarrier 312 not visible for purposes of clarity. In the embodiment offirst and second label system 300 shown in FIGS. 34-35 , second label316 comprises hole 341. Other embodiments of label system 300 may have agreater number of holes. According to at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, hole 341 extends through second label 316 andcarrier 312. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, hole341 extends only through second label 316.

FIG. 36 shows the dispensing of first and second label system 300 fromlabel printer 3600 according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Shown in FIG. 36 is label printer 3600, comprising aprinting mechanism (not shown), dispensing mechanism 3601, and tray3605. Label printer 3600 may comprise an ink jet printer, a laserprinter, a thermal transfer printer, a direct thermal printer, oranother type of printing device capable of applying indicia to firstlabel 314 and second label 316. According to at least one embodiment ofthe present disclosure, tray 3605 is horizontal or substantiallyhorizontal. In other embodiments tray 3605 may be oriented at aninclining or declining angle. As shown in FIG. 36 , according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of firstlabels 314 and second labels 316 are provided to label printer 3600 inan alternating arrangement on a carrier 312. For example, a plurality offirst labels 314 and second labels 316 are removably adhered to carrier312 in a rolled configuration or in a fan-folded configuration, and aresupplied to label printer 3600 in a manner anticipating printing by anddispensing from label printer 3600. As shown in FIG. 36 , according toat least one embodiment of the present disclosure first label 314 andsecond label 316 are dispensed in sequence from label printer 3600.First label 314 and second label 316 are dispensed by dispensingmechanism 3601 of label printer 3600 in the direction of arrow 3602, andthen come to rest, in registration with one another, on tray 3605 oflabel printer 3600. Thereafter, the pair of first label 314 and secondlabel 316, in registration with one another and adhered together, can beretrieved from tray 3605, either mechanically (such as, for example, bya label applicator apparatus) or by hand, and applied to a surface (suchas, for example, surface 601 of container 600), either mechanically(such as, for example, by a label applicator apparatus) or by hand.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, prior to or inconjunction with the dispensing of first label 314 onto tray 3605 oflabel printer 3600, indicia is added to removable region 344 of firstlabel 314 by the printing mechanism (not shown) of label printer 3600.For example, where first label 314 is intended to serve as a packinglist, such indicia may comprise the contents of a container to whichfirst label 314 will be adhered, such as container 600.

First label 314 is dispensed from label printer 3600 such that underside1314 of first label 314 faces tray 3605 of label printer 3600. Firstlabel 314 moves in the direction shown by arrow 3603 until underside1314 of first label 314 comes into contact with tray 3605 of labelprinter 3600. Because no pressure is exerted on first label 314,adhesive 313 on underside 1314 of first label 314 does not adhere firstportion 1340 of first label 314 to tray 3605 of label printer 3600. Inat least one embodiment, tray 3605 comprises a non-stick surface thatretards adherence of adhesive 313 to tray 3605. Second portion 1344 offirst label 314 also is adjacent to tray 3605 of label printer 3600, butbecause second portion 1344 of first label 314 is free of adhesive,second portion 1344 of first label 314 also does not adhere to tray 3605of label printer 3600.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, second label 316then is dispensed from label printer 3600. Second label 316 comes torest on top of, and in registration with, first label 314. In at leastone embodiment, prior to or in conjunction with the dispensing of secondlabel 316 onto tray 3605 of label printer 3600, indicia is added tosecond label 316, such as within displaceable segment 346 of secondlabel 316, by the printer mechanism (not shown) of label printer 3600.For example, where second label 316 is intended to serve as a shippinglabel, such indicia may comprise the address to which a container towhich first label 314 and second label 316 will be adhered, such ascontainer 600, is to be shipped, a return address, bar codes, maxicodes,identifying numbers, and the like.

Second label 316 is dispensed from label printer 3600 such thatundersurface 1316 of second label 316 faces the upper surface of firstlabel 314. Second label 316 moves in the direction shown by arrow 504until adhesive 313 on undersurface 1316 of second label 316 comes intocontact with first label 314. In at least one embodiment, adhesive onleading adhesive segment 335 comes into contact with leading framesegment 333 of first label 314. In such an embodiment, adhesive 313 onleading adhesive segment 335 of second label 316 adheres first portion1342 of second label 316 to frame 340 of first label 314 to a sufficientdegree that the pair of labels can be handled as a unit, eithermechanically (such as, for example, by a label applicator apparatus) orby hand. Second portion 1346 of second label 316 also is adjacent to,and in registration with, removable region 344 of first label 314, butbecause second portion 1346 of second label 316 has reduced adhesiveproperties and/or may be completely free of adhesive, second portion1346 of second label 316 does not adhere to removable region 344 offirst label 314. In such an embodiment, after second label 316 isadhered to first label 314, the adhered-together first label 314 andsecond label 316 then arm applied simultaneously to a surface, such as asurface 601 of container 600, either mechanically (such as, for example,by a label applicator apparatus) or by hand.

FIG. 37 shows a first and second label system 400 according to at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 37 are firstlabel 414 and second label 416 on carrier 412. In at least oneembodiment of a first and second label system according to the presentdisclosure, a plurality of first labels 414 and second labels 416 residealternately on carrier 412. In at least one embodiment of a first andsecond label system 400 according to the present disclosure, each firstlabel 414 comprises a packing list label, and each second label 416comprises a shipping label.

According to at least one embodiment of a first and second label system400 according to the present disclosure, first label 414 is bounded byleading edge 418, trailing edge 422, and side edges 420 and 424.According to at least one embodiment of a first and second label system400 according to the present disclosure, second label 416 is bounded byleading edge 426, trailing edge 430, and side edges 428 and 432. One ormore lines of weakness 438 define a boundary of removable segment 446 insecond label 416. Frame 442 lies between lines of weakness 438 andleading edge 426, trailing edge 430, and side edges 428 and 432.

According to at least one embodiment of a first and second label system400 according to the present disclosure, the area of first label 414bounded by leading edge 418, trailing edge 422, and side edges 420 and424 is smaller than the area of second label 416 bounded by leading edge426, trailing edge 430, and side edges 428 and 432. According to atleast one embodiment of a first and second label system according to thepresent disclosure, the area of first label 414 is no larger than thearea of removable segment 446. According to at least one embodiment of afirst and second label system 400 according to the present disclosure,second label 416 comprises a length L₁ that is the closest distancebetween leading edge 426 said trailing edge 430, and first label 414comprises a length L₂ that is the closest distance between leading edge418 and trailing edge 422, and L₁>L₂. According to at least oneembodiment of a first and second label system 400 according to thepresent disclosure, second label 416 comprises a width W₁ that is theclosest distance between first side edge 428 and second side edge 432,and first label 414 comprises a width W₂ that is the closest distancebetween first side edge 420 and second side edge 424, and W₁>W₂.According to at least one embodiment of a first and second label system400 according to the present disclosure, second label 416 comprises adistance D₁ that is the closest distance between parallel segments oflines of weakness 438, and D₁>W₂.

According to at least one embodiment of a first and second label systemaccording to the present disclosure, second label 416 and first label414 are deployed adjacent to each other on carrier 412 and removablyadhered to carrier 412, thereby enabling second label 416 and firstlabel 414 to be dispensed from carrier 412 in sequence as discussedherein. Carrier 412 comprises, in at least one embodiment, releasecoating 415 on the surface of carrier 412 facing the undersides of firstlabel 414 and second label 416. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, release coating 415 is a silicone release coating.According to at least one embodiment of label system 400 according tothe present disclosure, adhesive 413 is interposed between release coat415 and first label 414 and second label 416, as discussed hereinafter.In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive 413 is apressure sensitive adhesive.

FIG. 38 shows the underside of first label 414 and the undersurface ofsecond label 416 according to at least one embodiment of a first andsecond label system according to the present disclosure, with carrier412 not visible for purposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 38 is underside1414 of first label 414, which is bounded by leading edge 418, trailingedge 422, and side edges 420 and 424. Also shown in FIG. 38 isundersurface 1416 of second label 416, which is bounded by leading edge426, trailing edge 430, and side edges 428 and 432.

In at least one embodiment, underside 1414 of first label 414 comprisesadhesive 413 on all of or substantially all of or a majority of itssurface area. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,undersurface 1416 of second label 416 comprises a first portion 1442 anda second portion 1446, separated by lines of weakness 438. First portion1442 comprises the undersurface of frame 442. Second portion 1446comprises the undersurface of removable segment 446. In at least oneembodiment, first portion 1442 comprises adhesive 413 on all of orsubstantially all of or a majority of its surface area. In at least oneembodiment, second portion 1446 is free of or substantially free ofadhesive. In the embodiment of label system 400 shown in FIG. 38 ,second portion 1446 comprises spot 1413 of adhesive 413 near leadingedge 426.

FIG. 39 shows a cross-sectional view of a first and second label systemaccording to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure taken online XXXIX-XXXIX of FIG. 37 . The first and second label system 400 isshown in FIG. 39 in a semi-exploded state for purposes of clarity. Shownin FIG. 39 are carrier 412, adhesive 413, first label 414 comprisingleading edge 418 and trailing edge 422, release coating 415, and secondlabel 416 comprising leading edge 426 and trailing edge 430.

FIG. 40 shows a first and second label system 400 according to at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising first label 414 andsecond label 416 as discussed hereinabove. FIG. 41 shows the undersideof first label 414 and the undersurface of second label 416, withcarrier 412 not visible for purposes of clarity. In the embodiment offirst and second label system 400 shown in FIGS. 40-41 , second label416 comprises hole 439. Other embodiments of label system 400 may have agreater number of holes. According to at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, hole 439 extends through removable segment 446 andcarrier 412. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, hole439 extends only through removable segment 446.

FIG. 42 shows a first and second label system 500 according to at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 42 are firstlabel 514 and second label 516 on carrier 512. In at least oneembodiment of a first and second label system according to the presentdisclosure, a plurality of first labels 514 and second labels 516 residealternately on carrier 512. In at least one embodiment of a first andsecond label system 500 according to the present disclosure, each firstlabel 514 comprises a packing list label, and each second label 516comprises a shipping label.

According to at least one embodiment of a first and second label systemaccording to the present disclosure, first label 514 is bounded byleading edge 518, trailing edge 522, and side edges 520 and 524. One ormore lines of weakness 536 define a boundary of removable region 544 infirst label 514. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosurewhere first label 514 comprises a packing list label, removable region544 comprises a removable packing list. Frame 540 exists between line ofweakness 536, and leading edge 518 and side edges 520 and 524. Frame 540comprises trailing frame segment 533.

According to at least one embodiment of a first and second label systemaccording to the present disclosure, second label 516 is bounded byleading edge 526, trailing edge 530, and side edges 528 and 532. Secondlabel 516 comprises tear strip 539 framed by parallel lines of weakness543, 547. Lines of weakness 538 define a boundary of displaceablesegment 546. According to at least one embodiment of a first and secondlabel system according to the present disclosure, the area of firstlabel 514 bounded by leading edge 518, trailing edge 522, and side edges520 and 524 is smaller than the area of second label 516 bounded byleading edge 526, trailing edge 530, and side edges 528 and 532.

According to at least one embodiment of a first and second label system500 according to the present disclosure, first label 514 and secondlabel 516 are deployed adjacent to each other on carrier 512 andremovably adhered to carrier 512, thereby enabling first label 514 andsecond label 516 to be dispensed from carrier 512 in sequence asdiscussed herein. Carrier 512 comprises, in at least one embodiment,release coating 515 on the surface of carrier 512 facing first label 514and second label 516. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, release coating 515 is a silicone release coating. Accordingto at least one embodiment of label system 500 according to the presentdisclosure, adhesive 513 is interposed between release coat 515 and theundersides of first label 514 and second label 516, as discussedhereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,adhesive 513 is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

FIG. 43 shows the underside of first label 514 and the undersurface ofsecond label 516 according to at least one embodiment of a first andsecond label system according to the present disclosure, with carrier512 not visible for purposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 43 is underside1514 of first label 514, which is bounded by leading edge 518, trailingedge 522, and side edges 520 and 524. Also shown in FIG. 43 isundersurface 1516 of second label 516, which is bounded by leading edge526, trailing edge 530, and side edges 528 and 532.

In at least one embodiment, underside 1514 of first label 514 comprisesa first portion 1540 and a second portion 1544, separated by a line ofweakness 536. First portion 1540 comprise the underside of frame 540.Second portion 1544 comprises the underside of removable region 544. Inat least one embodiment, first portion 1540 comprises adhesive 513 onall of or substantially all of or a majority of its surface area. In atleast one embodiment, second portion 1544 is free of or substantiallyfree of adhesive.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, undersurface 1516of second label 516 comprises a first portion 1542 and a second portion1546. In at least one embodiment, first portion 1542 comprises adhesive513 on all of or substantially all of or a majority of its surface area.First portion 1542 comprises trailing adhesive segment 535. In at leastone embodiment, second portion 1546 is free of or substantially free ofadhesive, as is the undersurface of tear strip 539.

FIG. 44 shows a cross-sectional view of a first and second label systemaccording to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure taken online LXIV-LXIV of FIG. 42 . The first and second label system is shownin FIG. 44 in a semi-exploded state for purposes of clarity. Shown inFIG. 44 are carrier 512, adhesive 513, first label 514 comprisingleading edge 518 and trailing edge 522, release coating 515, and secondlabel 516 comprising leading edge 526 and trailing edge 530.

FIG. 45 shows a first and second label system 500 according to at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising first label 514 andsecond label 516 as discussed hereinabove. FIG. 46 shows the undersideof first label 514 and the undersurface of second label 516, withcarrier 512 not visible for purposes of clarity. In the embodiment offirst and second label system 500 shown in FIGS. 45-46 , second label516 comprises hole 541. Other embodiments of label system 500 may have agreater number of holes. According to at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, hole 541 extends through second label 516 andcarrier 512. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, hole541 extends only through second label 516.

FIG. 47 shows the dispensing of first and second label system 500 fromlabel printer 4700 according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Shown in FIG. 47 is label printer 4700, comprising aprinting mechanism (not shown), dispensing mechanism 4701, and tray5605. Label printer 4700 may comprise an ink jet printer, a laserprinter, a thermal transfer printer, a direct thermal printer, oranother type of printing device capable of applying indicia to firstlabel 514 and second label 516. According to at least one embodiment ofthe present disclosure, tray 5605 is horizontal or substantiallyhorizontal. In other embodiments tray 5605 may be oriented at aninclining or declining angle. As shown in FIG. 47 , according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of firstlabels 514 and second labels 516 are provided to label printer 4700 inan alternating arrangement on a carrier 512. For example, a plurality offirst labels 514 and second labels 516 are removably adhered to carrier512 in a rolled configuration or in a fan-folded configuration, and aresupplied to label printer 4700 in a manner anticipating printing by anddispensing from label printer 4700. As shown in FIG. 47 , according toat least one embodiment of the present disclosure first label 514 andsecond label 516 are dispensed in sequence from label printer 4700.First label 514 and second label 516 are dispensed by dispensingmechanism 4701 of label printer 4700 in the direction of arrow 4702, andthen come to rest, in registration with one another, on tray 5605 oflabel printer 4700. Thereafter, the pair of first label 514 and secondlabel 516, in registration with one another and adhered together, can beretrieved from tray 5605, either mechanically (such as, for example, bya label applicator apparatus) or by hand, and applied to a surface (suchas, for example, surface 601 of container 600), either mechanically(such as, for example, by a label applicator apparatus) or by hand.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, prior to or inconjunction with the dispensing of first label 514 onto tray 5605 oflabel printer 4700, indicia is added to removable region 544 of firstlabel 514 by the printing mechanism (not shown) of label printer 4700.For example, where first label 514 is intended to serve as a packinglist, such indicia may comprise the contents of a container to whichfirst label 514 will be adhered, such as container 600.

First label 514 is dispensed from label printer 4700 such that underside1514 of first label 514 faces tray 5605 of label printer 4700. Firstlabel 514 moves in the direction shown by arrow 4703 until underside1514 of first label 514 comes into contact with tray 5605 of labelprinter 4700. Because no pressure is exerted on first label 514,adhesive 513 on underside 1514 of first label 514 does not adhere firstportion 1540 of first label 514 to tray 5605 of label printer 4700. Inat least one embodiment, tray 5605 comprises a non-stick surface thatretards adherence of adhesive 513 to tray 5605. Second portion 1544 offirst label 514 also is adjacent to tray 5605 of label printer 4700, butbecause second portion 1544 of first label 514 is free of adhesive,second portion 1544 of first label 514 also does not adhere to tray 5605of label printer 4700.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, second label 516then is dispensed from label printer 4700. Second label 516 comes torest on top of, and in registration with, first label 514. In at leastone embodiment, prior to or in conjunction with the dispensing of secondlabel 516 onto tray 5605 of label printer 4700, indicia is added tosecond label 516, such as within displaceable segment 546 of secondlabel 516, by the printer mechanism (not shown) of label printer 4700.For example, where second label 516 is intended to serve as a shippinglabel, such indicia may comprise the address to which a container towhich first label 514 and second label 516 will be adhered, such ascontainer 600, is to be shipped, a return address, bar codes, maxicodes,identifying numbers, and the like.

Second label 516 is dispensed from label printer 4700 such thatundersurface 1516 of second label 516 faces the upper surface of firstlabel 514. Second label 516 moves in the direction shown by arrow 4702until adhesive 513 on undersurface 1516 of second label 516 comes intocontact with first label 514. In at least one embodiment, adhesive ontrailing adhesive segment 535 comes into contact with trailing framesegment 533 of first label 514. In such an embodiment, adhesive 513 ontrailing adhesive segment 535 of second label 516 adheres first portion1542 of second label 516 to frame 540 of first label 514 to a sufficientdegree that the pair of labels can be handled as a unit, eithermechanically (such as, for example, by a label applicator apparatus) orby hand. Second portion 1546 of second label 516 also is adjacent to,and in registration with, removable region 544 of first label 514, butbecause second portion 1546 of second label 516 has reduced adhesiveproperties and/or may be completely free of adhesive, second portion1546 of second label 516 does not adhere to removable region 544 offirst label 514. In such an embodiment, after second label 516 isadhered to first label 514, the adhered-together first label 514 andsecond label 516 then are applied simultaneously to a surface, such as asurface 601 of container 600, either mechanically (such as, for example,by a label applicator apparatus) or by hand.

While this disclosure has been described as having preferred designs,the apparatus and methods according to the present disclosure can befurther modified within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Thisapplication is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, oradaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. For example,any method disclosed herein and in the appended claims represent onepossible sequence of performing the steps thereof. A practitioner maydetermine in a particular implementation that a plurality of steps ofone or more of the disclosed methods may be combinable, or that adifferent sequence of steps may be employed to accomplish the sameresults. Each such implementation falls within the scope of the presentdisclosure as disclosed herein and in the appended claims. Furthermore,this application is intended to cover such departures from the presentdisclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art towhich this disclosure pertains.

We claim:
 1. A label combination comprising: a carrier material, saidcarrier material comprising a length dimension that is aligned with anintended direction of travel of said carrier material; and a pluralityof first labels and second labels alternating along said lengthdimension of said carrier material, said plurality of alternating firstlabels and second labels forming a plurality of label sets, each saidlabel set comprising one said first label and one said second label,said first labels and said second labels removably adhered atop saidcarrier material in a non-overlapping arrangement such that gaps thateach comprise an exposed section of said carrier material separate eachsaid first label from adjacent said second labels and each said secondlabel from adjacent said first labels, wherein each said label set isconfigured for dispensing one said first label and then one said secondlabel consecutively from said carrier material onto a receptacle or alabel applicator, such that upon dispensing one said first label and onesaid second label are layered in registration with each other on saidreceptacle or said label applicator and are coupled together, andwherein said carrier material further comprises a plurality oftransverse stripes, each said transverse stripe comprising a region ofsaid carrier material that has a color that is different from adjacentportions of said carrier material, wherein said plurality of transversestripes are coincident with alternating said gaps on said carriermaterial such that there is one said transverse stripe coinciding witheach said label set, wherein each said transverse stripe extends beyonda trailing edge of one said first label and extends beyond a leadingedge of one said second label.
 2. The label combination of claim 1,wherein at least one said gap separating at least one said second labelfrom at least one adjacent said first label is detectible by a detectionapparatus.
 3. The label combination of claim 1, wherein each said firstlabel and each said second label comprises a construction suitable fortransport through a thermal printer and a surface suitable for printingin a thermal printer.